The “Sophomore Year” is about identifying who you are and developing your individual potential. Continue to focus on your class work and your homework to improve the study skills you will need to be successful in your Junior and Senior courses. Studying effectively in high school will help prepare you for college course work.
Take your “academic temperature” - check your GPA. Grades earned during the sophomore year are considered by all colleges for admissions. Your target should always be “C or better”. University of California advises students to maintain at least a 3.3 average in courses on the a-g list (see table on reverse).
For High School graduation, a D- (60%) is a passing grade. However, for grades to count for colleges you must earn a C- or better in all courses required for admissions. Review your grades and plan to replace grades of D or F. (See Academic Advisor for details).
Update your high school planner with the courses you completed in 9th grade. Meet with the Academic Advisor to re-evaluate your planned courses for 10th-12th grades.
Prepare for the PLAN test in October. This is a preliminary test for the ACT college admissions exam. This test includes a career interest inventory. The score report will help you evaluate your academic strengths and weaknesses as well as predict your ACT score.
Get involved in extra-curricular activities. Invest in activities that allow you to develop skills, give you responsibility and provide leadership opportunities. Consider leading a Bible Study, chairing a class project, playing a part in a drama production, or serving as an officer in a club or student government. During the summer, consider programs that offer opportunities to develop your talents, explore your interests, or expand your studies.
Get set for the Stanford 10 Achievement Test in April. This test will help you measure your mastery in core academic areas and select future courses. Do not confuse this test with the SAT Reasoning Test used for college admissions.
Know what tests are required for college. Either the ACT or SAT Reasoning Test may be taken for college admission. In addition, SAT Subject Tests are required for admission to UC and may be helpful for admission to private colleges. Be sure to schedule subject exams for the spring semester of the year you are enrolled in the related course. For example, the Biology subject exam should be taken while enrolled in the course.